When to plant lemon balm in zone 7a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 4 · Transplant Apr 15 · First harvest Jun 14 · Wrap by Oct 4

Last spring frostApr 15

Start seeds indoorsMar 4

Transplant outApr 15

First harvestJun 14

Last harvestOct 4

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 frost-free days. Lemon Balm tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does lemon balm take to grow in zone 7a?

Lemon Balm matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 7a that means setting plants out around Apr 15 and first picking around Jun 14.

Will lemon balm survive frost in zone 7a?

Yes — lemon balm tolerates light frost. In zone 7a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Apr 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full lemon balm growing guide →